We Engineers tend to be quite predictable, or as Spock (from the infamous Star Trek cast) would offer as explanation, "That's logical." This method to our approach can also get us in a rut without any spontaneity in our life. While impulsiveness can lead to mistakes, "same 'ol, same 'ol patterns" can make Jack a dull boy! (Note: The name have been changed to protect the innocent.)

Fortunately, as an Engineer, trained & skilled at various & effective problem solving techniques, I will analyse this dilemma and develop a solution that will be certain to be both safe and add some spice to life.

First, I'll need to list all the influencial elements, prioritize them according to degree of impact, relative importance, and ability to control; then map it all out on a matrix with probability factors calculated in. This should provide sufficient data to create potential courses of action to be hypothesized, tried, reviewed, refined, tested, improved, proved, selected, and implemented.No problem! Just give me an hour for every decision to be made throughout the day!

February 27, 2006

Monday -

Well, it is a Monday, the start of another work week.

Time to fire-up the PC, check the email (any "personnel changes" announced? any names mysteriously removed from the company address book?), review the day's e-calendar (no meetings scheduled yet today - good!), re-fill my cup of Java (most mornings I pick-up a 16-ounce styrofoam cup with lid, filled with "French Roast", black, from the local convenience store/gas station on the way to work, about a 20-minute drive from home; then reuse that cup throughout the day [6/7/8 times?!?!?] but add some powdered, fake cream & sugar to keep my breath fresh!), make the rounds and tell my fellow Engineers "Good Mourning" & etc., pull out my 'To Do' list that was left over from last Friday (and the previous Friday, and the previous Friday, and ... ), and plan the day/week. Then, after the various interruptions from my fellow Engineers telling me "Good Mourning" & etc., I scrap the initial day's plan/schedule and get ready for lunch.

After lunch (usually I just grab a 28-minute "cat nap"; eating something just makes me sleepy in the afternoon), I re-review my 'To Do' list (which by this time typically has another half-dozen or so items added since the start of the day by DD, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, [my boss - what a great gentleman!] [really!!!] [honest!!!] [he's a really nice man & good boss!] or anyone else that needs an Engineer to do something for them [which is just about everyone under the sun!], re-prioritize everything and make a new plan/schedule for "the day" [i.e. half-day]. Then, since time is by now limited to actually being able to start something, I figure: "I'll just start new & fresh in the morning!", and load the plant layout on CAD (which may make a good topic for a future posting - you ain't seen a plant layout 'til you've seen this one!). With that I'll "work" the rest of the day trying to figure out how to fit 10 pounds of manure in a 5-pound bag (that already has 20 pounds in it!) in such a way as to allow good movement of materials through the plant, efficient manufacturing lines (safe for the workers, best quality, no scrap, no waste, ... ), effective process flow (i.e. makes money for the company!) and all with no capital for new equipment.

February 25, 2006

Ahhhhh, Saturdays ..........

There's nothing like the opportunity to sleep-in for a change, (even if "sleeping-in" means only 7 AM). Mind you, I said opportunity. Still, it is better then the usual 5:30/6.

Now, what to do on a Saturday? Think, think, think, .....Nah, thinking hurts; and, besides, that's what I do every other day of the week.

Perbe (note to LG: "perbe" is simlar to your often used "mayhaps", get it?) I shouldst just do the usual - laundry, dishes, garbage, animal cages, sweep, ... - after which I can enjoy a whole Jack's self-rising pizza (3-meat) with extra mozzarella (2 cups) and a jug of 100% fruit juice while watching a recording I made from earlier in the day of either an NHL game (preferably the Red Wings!) or a NASCAR race (any Jeff Gordon fans out there?) . (It's always best to record a sporting event, or anything for that matter, so you can fast-forward through the commercials.) (Unless, of course you want to see them, too, but "Why?!" I don't know.) (The only bad part is you have to avoid the news and/or anyone that may have seen the final score/results or they'll tip you off and spoil the fun and suspense of watching it after-the-fact.)

February 24, 2006

After careful review of the numerous GW-smack that has been flying through hyperspace (Oh! and "Thank You!" Al Gore for inventing the internet ..... ), I personally believe that 'pretzel rods' may indeed be worthy.

But what do I know; I'm still a non-participating participant.

Time will tell as it is certain that many more comments, both pro & con, shall be made prior to the highly anticipated GW12 that's now only 4 weeks away! (Man! I just gave myself goosebumps!)

GW12: Still planning .....

As the annual Gamming Weekend approaches, let it be known that while I may be considered a dumm ... er, rookie, I do intend to take my place at the highest platform during the closing ceremonies while a heartfelt playing of "God Bless America" is heard throughout the land.

My companions will put forth a galant effort but not be able to overcome the crafty expertise I will put on display.